Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Agenzia Fides) - "We strongly recommend elections to be held so that Country has institutions elected by the people", say the Bishops of Burundi in a message on the situation of the Country, in the grip of protests against the candidature outgoing President Pierre Nkurunziza, regarding the June elections for a third term, in violation of the Constitution which provides only two presidential terms (see Fides 27/04/2015).
In the message, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Bishops say they are concerned about the climate of tension in the Country: clashes between police and protesters; schools and offices closed; people fleeing and people who sleep away from home for fear of being killed; widespread fear of a resumption of civil war.
The message highlights the necessity: "to do everything possible to guarantee the security of elections, freedom of movement for candidates and voters, in a competition that gives all candidates the same opportunity to present their projects and to carry out their own propaganda in peace".
The Bishops want among other things "that safety is ensured everywhere, so that refugees return to their homes; to verify whether weapons have been given to young people affiliated to political parties and, if true, proceed in the non-selective and systematic disarmament" in order to ensure that elections do not take place under the threat of arms.
The Bishops of Burundi invoke the path of dialogue, which led to the Arusha Accords, ending decades of civil war. They also stress that "governing is the great mission of being at the service of all". This is why the Country's leaders "should not only seek their personal or sectarian interests. He who wants to rule must agree to be the father of the whole nation. A good father is one who can also waive his right when he sees that this serves to save his family".
The message closes by appealing to young people, so that they do not commit violent acts, and to the faithful, so that they pray ceaselessly for the good of Burundi. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 07/05/2015)
